MA Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the MA exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📚 MA Topics to Study (33)
✍️ Sample MA Questions & Answers
1. In epistemology, the 'Gettier problem' challenged the classical definition of knowledge as justified true belief by showing that:
Edmund Gettier provided cases where an agent has a justified true belief that we would not call knowledge, demonstrating that JTB is insufficient for knowledge.
2. Which concept describes the process by which individuals learn the norms, values, and behaviors of their society?
Socialization is the lifelong process through which individuals internalize the norms, values, beliefs, and behaviors appropriate to their culture and social roles.
3. An MA in Fine Arts (MFA) is sometimes considered distinct from a standard MA. What is the primary difference?
The MFA is the terminal degree in studio arts, creative writing, and design, emphasizing creative output over traditional research scholarship.
4. What does the term 'reliability' mean in the context of psychological assessment?
Reliability refers to the consistency of a measurement instrument across time, raters, or items.
5. Which ethical principle requires that research participants be fully informed about the nature of a study before agreeing to take part?
Informed consent mandates that participants receive complete, understandable information about risks, procedures, and their right to withdraw.
6. What does 'deviance' mean in sociological terms?
Sociological deviance refers to any behavior, belief, or characteristic that violates significant social norms, whether or not it is illegal.